Under the school-based system all students at Tarawera High have had free access to services at Tarawera Medical Centre on referral from the nurse, Jo Knott, for years. As part of our 25 year celebrations we are extending this to all under 18 year olds. There is still an advantage to accessing the service via the school system as this can remove the barrier of prescription costs.

Other news this week is that TMC received 2 awards for the excellent work our nurses have done in immunisation. We achieved the highest rates of immunisation for 8 month olds and the greatest improvement in immunisation of 2 year olds. To achieve this despite the work that had to go into preparing for our Cornerstone assessment is a real credit to their dedication. Yesterday Dr. Aidan Williams, Jackie Morris and Sarah Morris attended the EBPHA Awards Evening and were presented with certificates in recognition of these achievements.

Immunisation is a crucial intervention to prevent illness and improve the health of individuals and communities. Over the past 25 years we have seen dramatic reductions of illnesses such as Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Haemophilus infections. Recent campaigns for HPV immunisation should have benefits that will continue for years with reduced risk of cervical cancer. This year a vaccine was added for Rotavirus which should see a reduction in cases of severe gastroenteritis. The recent outbreaks of measles internationally and in certain areas of New Zealand are a timely reminder of the importance of immunisation. Seeing a child suffering with a preventable illness that can have permanent consequences is very frustrating and upsetting.

For more information on the immunisation schedule see the Immunisation Advisory Centre website 

Margaret, Shannin and Jackie with the certificates recognising their great work.